Darren Cho

Media Release

The Kona Crime Prevention Committee recognized Community Policing Officer Darren Cho as “Officer of the Month” for May in a luncheon ceremony on Wednesday (May 2) at Huggo’s restaurant in Kailua-Kona.

Cho was honored for his keen observation skills during a routine park check that led to the arrest of a man in possession of drugs and a concealed handgun.

Cho was at Kahaluʻu Beach Park on January 17 and observed a suspicious man wearing a backpack. Cho suspected this person was a man police were seeking on an arrest warrant but the man refused to provide identification or admit who he was. The officer continued to observe the suspect, who eventually removed his shirt to reveal an identifying tattoo.

When Cho arrested the man on the warrant, he witnessed a marijuana joint falling from behind his ear. A subsequent search of the backpack produced crystal methamphetamine, a digital scale and a .22 caliber handgun.

The suspect was charged on the original warrant and with drug and weapons offenses. His bail was set at $30,800.

As “Officer of the Month,” Cho is eligible to become “Officer of the Year.” The Kona Crime Prevention Committee is an organization that encourages community involvement in aiding and supporting police in West Hawaiʻi.